Barossa Valley: Australia's Most Famous Wine Region

The Barossa, comprised of the Barossa and Eden valleys, is one of Australia's most famous wine regions. First settled in 1842 by German Lutheran immigrants, villages were established at Bethany, Langmeil (Tanunda), Lyndoch and Light's Pass. Signs of German traditions can be seen in the 19th-century buildings, churches and in the region's food, music and festivals. The Barossa Festival takes place in April in every even-numbered year and there is a Music Festival every October. The Barossa Train provides an interesting historical travel alternative from Adelaide.

Orlando

Established in 1847, this is one of the largest wineries in Australia.

Famous for its popular Jacob's Creek range, it is the country's top wine exporter and includes labels such as Wyndham Estate, Poet's Corner and Richmond Grove.

Grant Burge

Grant and Helen Burge founded this historic winery in 1988 and undertook restoration work on the buildings. The beautifully restored tasting room has custom-made chandeliers and ornamental glass. The winery produces traditional style Barossa wines - the Meshach Shiraz is one of the finest regions.

Rockford

This winery uses 100-year-old equipment to make its famous traditional handcrafted wines. In the summer months visitors can see the old equipment working. The winery itself is also more than a century old.

Peter Lehmann

A significant producer of quality Barossa wines, this winery was established by Peter Lehmann, a well-known character in the valley. The winery was awarded International Winemaker of the Year in 2004.

Seppelt

Between Tanunda and Greenoch, this winery was established in 1851 by the pioneering German family Seppelt. A historic complex of splendid stone buildings, it is reached via an avenue of palm trees planted in the 1920s.

Penfolds

Established in 1844, Penfolds moved to this site on the outskirts of Nuriootpa in 1974. This major winery (home of the famous Grange) matures its range of red and white table wines and ports in barrels made on the premises. Many wines are available for tasting and buying at the cellar door.

Wolf Blass

One of the younger wineries in the Barossa, established in 1973, Wolf Blass boasts elaborates tasting rooms and a wine heritage museum. It specializes in premium red and white table wines, and sparkling and fortified wines.

Saltram

Established in 1859, this historic winery is set in beautiful gardens on a Barossa hillside outside Angaston. Popular with red and fortified wine enthusiasts, Saltram also has an excellent restaurant, which is open for lunch daily and dinner Thursday to Saturday.

Collingrove Homestead, Angaston

Now owned by the National Trust, Collingrove was built in 1856 as a home for a member of the influential pioneering Angas family. It has original furnishings and is set in an English style garden. Accommodation is available.

Henschke

This winery is one of the world's greatest producers. Their wines are made from single vineyards, some with 100- year-old vines. After visiting the cellar be sure to walk through the vineyards - with some of the oldest vines in the world.

Tips for drivers

Although a tour of the Barossa Valley can be made in a day from Adelaide, the region is best seen and enjoyed by taking advantage of the excellent local accommodation and restaurants. The roads are generally good, although drivers should take special care on those that are unsealed. Visitors planning to visit a number of wineries and sample the produce may prefer to take one of the many tours or hire a chauffeur-driven vehicle.